7 Most Realistic Post-Apocalyptic Games

Post-apocalyptic settings are common in gaming, offering a harrowing insight into how the world may become so far removed from what is familiar to us. It often prompts feelings of reflection and introspection.

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By  Eduardo Ariedo

Despite the tonally compelling and narratively engaging aspects of the post-apocalypse, not all stories contain realism. There are, however, some games that contain one or more core realistic values that help to ground their otherwise unrealistic settings. This allows players to get an insight into the post-apocalyptic setting, one way or another.

7 The Division 2

A Realistic Locale

The Division 2 is the sequel to the well-received title, The Division. The game is a third-person 'looter shooter' set in a sprawling recreation of Washington DC, wherein a genetically engineered virus has plunged the city into an abandoned and apocalyptic state.

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The realism within the post-apocalyptic setting of The Division 2 mainly comes from the location. The game faithfully recreates Washington DC and features many real-life monuments and recognizable areas. These include The White House, The Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building, not to mention the number of smaller recreated buildings like museums and universities. The faithful depictions of real-life locales create a poignant and harrowing reminder that The Division 2 takes place in the real world, further emphasizing the tone and messaging of the game.

6 The Walking Dead

Realism Through Its Characters

The Walking Dead is a critically acclaimed title from Telltale Games, inspired by The Walking Dead comic series. The game utilizes a point-and-click style alongside a decision-based narrative to create an immersive and emotional story set amidst a zombie apocalypse.

Whilst a zombie outbreak isn't the most realistic example of a post-apocalypse, it's the characterization and emotional weight within the game that portrays a realistic replication of the human condition. The game poses questions of morality, parenthood, abandonment, and much more. Whilst, on a surface level, zombies are the main threat, The Walking Dead serves to show that the conflicts and relationships between humans are the real linchpin of the narrative. The most memorable and beloved example of a relationship in the game is centered around Clementine and Lee, a bond that tugs at gamers' heartstrings and is often considered one of the best parent/child dynamics in gaming.

5 The Long Dark

Realism In Its Setting

The Long Dark is a survival game set after a geomagnetic disaster has plunged the world into a permanent winter. The game utilizes immersive and challenging survival aspects to portray a realistic example of a post-apocalypse.

The realism within The Long Dark comes from the conditions of the apocalypse and the setting created by it. A geo-disaster that plunges the world into a harsh climate shift is not wholly unrealistic, given the world has experienced Ice Ages already. The Long Dark utilizes this concept to pose a difficult and compelling survival experience, as players must fight through the post-apocalyptic setting and desperately fight for survival. Realistic elements such as calorie control and temperature, amidst an immersive and harsh winter climate, allow for a highly realistic post-apocalypse setting.

4 This War Of Mine

Realism Through Historical Inspiration

This War of Mine is a harrowing and emotional exploration of what it's like to live in a war-torn nation as a civilian. The game's setting shares all the qualities of a post-apocalypse, with the added element of merely being a civilian trying to live through the conflict.

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The most realistic, and thus poignant element of This War Of Mine, is the fact that its setting and gameplay loop is heavily inspired by the real world. Inspired by years of historical conflicts, This War Of Mine has players occupying the position of a civilian, simply trying to uphold their shelter and hopefully save those around them. This War Of Mine handles this topic with the respect and tact that it requires, whilst still making for an unforgettable gaming experience.

3 Plague Inc: Evolved

A Real Possibility

Plague Inc: Evolved is a morbid strategy title that couples strategy and simulation to create a compelling and unique experience, tasking players with creating the sort of virus that would lead to an apocalypse.

Whilst not strictly post-apocalyptic in the traditional sense, Plague Inc: Evolved still hones in on many of the aspects that make apocalypse media so intriguing. The most notable example of this is the simulation of just how quickly viruses can spread across a population, inspired and reinforced by real-world examples throughout history. This allows for moments of eye-opening realism and reflection, the likes of which are not too common in gaming. Conversely, if players prefer a more hopeful alternative, then they can play the mode that tasks them with curing a population already at the brink of an apocalypse, realistically simulating how cures and immunity are formed and distributed.

2 Rust

A Realistic Simulation Of Conflict

Rust is an infamous title among hardcore PVP and survival gamers, set in what is often assumed to be a post-apocalyptic environment, where players build bases, collect weaponry and ultimately strip other players of all of their possessions.

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It's this aspect of Rust that is the most compelling and realistic. This is because, unwittingly, Rust has created a microcosm of how people may actually interact, should an apocalyptic scenario consume the world. The hoarding of resources and subsequent fighting over said resources, as well as the tense alliances and untrustworthy encounters, go a long way to replicate what is often seen within post-apocalyptic media. All of this is done organically through player interaction, with many players preferring combat and conquest over diplomacy. Whilst Rust doesn't offer the most fleshed-out or lore-heavy setting, it's this organic player interaction that truly makes the game feel like a harsh post-apocalypse.

1 Project Zomboid

Mechanically Realistic

Project Zomboid is the premier and beloved zombie survival simulator. Despite its simplistic isometric appearance, Project Zomboid boasts some of the most in-depth and mechanically complex systems that simulate survival like few other games do.

The realism within the core systems of Project Zomboid is what makes it feel like a truly realistic post-apocalyptic setting. Whilst zombies aren't the height of realism, Project Zomboid contains hunger, thirst, temperature, disease, electricity, fuel conservation, crafting, education and so many more niche and complex systems that truly make the game feel like a life simulation. These aspects, coupled with the eerie and hostile environment, allow players to fully immerse themselves in the post-apocalypse, be it alone or with friends.

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